Single button manipulation mechanism for use in locks and switches

ABSTRACT

A mechanism for manipulating a plurality of members by means of reciprocating a single button. The button has connected thereto an arm which is guided into a manipulating engagement with each of the members by means of a series of mechanical gates. In a first embodiment, the members are incorporated in a combination lock and when they are manipulated to a predetermined position, the lock can be opened. In a second embodiment, the members are connected to electrical components and these are in turn connected to a circuit, wherein on manipulation of the members to anyone of a plurality of predetermined positions one of a plurality of electrical devices corresponding to only the specific predetermined position is activated.

Strazza et al.

SINGLE-BUTTON MANIPULATION MECHANISM FOR USE IN LOCKS AND SWITCHES Inventors: Richard W. Strazza, 3 Turner CL,

Princeton, NJ. 08450; John P. Mohrhauser, 804 Prospect St., Maplewood, NJ. 07010 Filed: May 7, 1973 Appl. No.: 357,560

US. Cl 70/306, 70/150, 70/285, 70/313, 200/16 R, 200/43, 200/153 B, 200/156 Int. Cl. E05b 37/02, HOlh 27/10 Field of Search 70/299, 305, 306, 313;

200/16 R, 43,153 B, 153 P, 156

' References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS June 28, 1974 3,592,982 7/1971 Deltoer 200/16 R Primary Examiner-Albert G. Craig, Jr.

Attorney, Agent, or FirmRoylance, Abrams, Berdo & Kaul [5 7 ABSTRACT A mechanism for manipulating a plurality of members by means of reciprocating a single button. The button has connected thereto an arm which is guided into a manipulating engagement with each of the members by means of a series of mechanical gates. In a first embodiment, the members are incorporated in a combination lock and when they are manipulated to a predetermined position, the lock can be opened. In a second embodiment, the members are connected to electrical components and these are in turn connected to a circuit, wherein on manipulation of the members to anyone of a plurality of predetermined positions one of a plurality of electrical devices corresponding to only the specific predetermined position is activated.

9 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures l IiIIIIII 4 1M JEIIIIII H 11. 134 121 I I F91 r;

I l I 1 r40 131 94' so 92 l I 260 l 135 136 i 1 4 43 45 54 'T" I l 222 Pmmanmza m4 SHEET '4 (IF 9 PATENTEDauxzs i974 SHEET 8 0F 9 vwmi r mmw SINGLE-BUTTON MANIPULATION MECHANISM FOR USE IN LOCKS AND SWITCHES This invention relates to a mechanical apparatus, and more particularly, relates to a mechanical apparatus which includes a plurality of members which can be manipulated by depressing a single button. The mechanism can be used in a combination lock to open a locking rod or, in a switch to activate any one of a plurality of electrical devices.

In the prior art there are numerous types of combination locks and electrical switches. However, in operating these locks and switches it is usually necessary for the various manipulating devices, such as dials, buttons and levers, to be plainly in sight. That is, in order to open the lock or set the switch to the desired position, the operator must be able to view the various manipulating devices which tell him at what position the lock tumblers or switch contact points are presently located. Usually in order to provide a reasonable safe combination in a lock, a plurality of tumblers or wheels are utilized so that the combination can consist of at least two or more permutations. Additionally, in various switches numerous rotating wheels having contact points thereon are utilized in order to provide the highest number of combinations, each of which relate to a different circuit to be controlled by the switch. However, in providing the plurality of tumblers or rotating contact points invariably each device requires the individual manipulation of each one of the plurality of tumblers or rotary contact members. Thus, the operator must manipulate each one of those in order to obtain the desired results. Usually after manipulating one, the operator moves to the next tumbler or rotary contact member and manipulates it.

Thus, the operator is typically presented with a situation in which he must view each one of a plurality of manipulating means to ascertain at what position the tumblers or contact points presently reside and must move from each one of the manipulating devices to the next in order to complete the manipulation of the switch or the lock.

' The problems with the abovementioned prior art switches and locks is that the operator must first find each one of the plurality of manipulating devices and must view each one of them as he is sequentially manipulating each one. Obviously, during a power failure, or when conditions of visibility are poor, the correct manipulation of these locks and switches is difficult, if not impossible.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcome the limitations and drawbacks associated with the aforesaid prior art locks and switches and to provide new and improved locks and switches which include only a single manipulating device which can be successfully manipulated without being viewed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism which can sequentially manipulate a plurality of members on manipulation of a single push button.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a single push button combination lock wherein the combination indicia are not exposed to view and need not be seen to open the lock.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a single push button combination lock operable by a key so that the lock may be opened without divulging the combination.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a single push button combination lock whose combination can be changed when the lock is open and the correct combination set.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a single push button combination lock which functions without an electrical input.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a switch mechanism for selectively actuating a plurality of electrical devices by means of operating a single button.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a switch mechanism utilizing only a single button as a manipulation device wherein any one of a plurality of electrical devices may be activated without the operator of the switch mechanism viewing the mechanism.

The foregoing objects are attained by utilizing a single push button to actuate a plurality of members wherein for the first embodiment, which is a lock, the members control the opening of the lock and in the second embodiment, which relates to an electrical switch, the members determine which one of a plurality of electrical devices will be activated. The push button is connected to a manipulating arm which is directed during reciprocating motion to the various members by means of a mechanical gate mechanism.

In the first embodiment, a locking rod is connected to an actuating button and is mounted for movement through one of the walls of the container which houses the entire mechanism. In the locked position the locking rod extends outwardly from the container and engages a slotted receiving member to provide the locking requirements. On pushing the single push button the correct number of times, the operating members are moved from a preset start position to the unlocked position and will allow the locking rod to be withdrawn from its extended position and thus open the lock. A manipulating arm, connected to the push button, is associated with all of the operating or permutation members and is indexed to sequentially manipulate each one of these members by means of a gate mechanism located below a rod which is attached between the arm and the push button. Each depression of the button will move the operating member through one increment of travel. When each member has been moved through the desired travel, the gate mechanism indexes the arm connected to the rod to the next member and, when all of the members have been manipulated an adequate number of times the preset combination is reached and the locking rod can be withdrawn into the container and the lock opened.

In the second embodiment, each of the permutation members is connected to a movable rack which carries a movable contact point. Rotation of each of the permutation members causes the movable contact point to move along and engage a series of fixed contact points to close a circuit. For any given predetermined position of all of the permutation members an additional circuit combines the output of the contact circuits to selectively actuate an electrical device which is preprogrammed to correspond to that position of the permutation members. The members in this embodiment are moved essentially as provided for in the first embodiment. In order to return the permutation members to their original position a reset button is provided.

' Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from'the following detailed description, which taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings which form a: part of 7 I FIG. 3 is a sectional rear elevational view taken along lines 33 of FIG. 1, showing the lock in alocked position but with the permutation members in the open position;

FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevational view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 butwith the permutation members in the locked position;

FIG. 5 is a' perspective view of the gate mechanism and a part of the rod attached to the single push button, which rod has depending therefrom a manipulating arm;-

FIG. 6 is aperspective view of the manipulating arm;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shaft, one clutch cylinder,'and oneYoperatingmember; a

FIG. 8is'a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 4 but showing in detail the position of the manipulating arm relative to one of the gates and an operating member;

FIG. 9 is a sectional plan view taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 8 but showing the manipulating arm in an advanced position and the operating member partially rotated through one increment;

FIG. 11 is a sectional plan view taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 isa fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 10 but showing the manipulating arm in a position wherein the operatingmember has moved one full increment and the gate has moved into engagement with a ratchet groove on the operating member;

FIG. 13 is a sectional plan view taken along lines 13-13of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 14, but showing the arm retreating along a flat section of the ratchet groove in the operating member;

FIG. 15 is a sectional plan view taken along lines 15-15 of FIG. 14:

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 14, but showing the manipulating arm moving beyond the gate when the desired number of incremental movements havebeen provided to the operating member;

FIG. 17 is a sectional plan view taken along lines 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the movement of the manipulating arm relative to the plurality of over-lapping gates lying on the platform;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view similar to FIG. '4 but showing the clutch cylinders aligned with their flat shoulders parallel to the top wall of the housing after the correct combination has been depressed; 1

FIG. 20 is a sectional view similar-to FIG. 19 but showing the opening button being depressed causing the gate mechanism to rotate around its pivotal connection and freeing the manipulating arm from its contact with the gates;

FIG. 21 is a sectional top plan view similar to FIG. 2 but showingthe lock in its open position; 1

FIG. 22 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the fixed and movable contacts for the switch embodiment of the present invention and additionally showing that the clutch cylinders need not have .flat shoulders thereon; I

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of acircuit which demonstrates theoperationof the second embodiment of the present invention. 7

Referring to the drawings in further detail, the first embodiment of the present invention is generally desig nated 30 as seen in FIG. 1.

The device consists generally of a container 40, a locking rod 60, and a locking rod-receiver 80. Movement of the locking rod 60 into engagement with the lockingrod receiver willprovide the locking function. On depressing the' single, push button 50 the proper number of timesto-set' a permutation mecha-.

nism to its correct combination, the locking rod6l) can be moved out of engagement with the locking rod receiver 80 by means of depressing the actuating button 55.

Asseen in FIG. 1, the: container 40 can be rigidly connected to a first member 32 and the locking rod receiver'80 rigidly connected to a second member 33. For example, the first member 32 could be a door and the second member 33 could be a door jamb. In any event, one of the members is ordinarily movable relative to the other member after the lockdevice 30 is opened. I

The container 40 is formed fromsix rectangular planar walls rigidly connected to enclose a rectangular cross-sectional housing. The container 40 has a front wall 41, a top wall 42, a bottom wall 43, a left-side wall 44, a right-side wall 45, and a rear wall 46 as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.

' The rear wall 46 is rigidly mounted to the member 32 by any suitable means. Similarly, the rear wall of the locking rod receiver 80 is rigidly connected to the second member 33.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the front wall 41 of the container 40 has located therein a circular aperture 47 for the reception of a rod.51 which has the single push button 50 at its exterior end. Spaced below the aperture 47 is another aperture 48 which receives a rod 56 having the actuating button 55 on its exterior end.

As seen in FIG. 1 the front wall 41 also receives a key lock 58 having a key 59 receivable therein to actuate the lock without the push button 50 being depressed.

The right-side wall 45 contains a rectangular-shaped slot 62 for receiving an end portion 64 of the locking rod 60. The right-sidewall 45 also contains an aperture 54 approximately centrally located therein which is used in changing the combination of the lock, as will be discussed in further detail hereinafter. I

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the locking rod receiver 80 is basically in the shape of a box. Located at the lower edge of the box is a slot 88 through its wall 89 for receiving the end'portion 64 of the locking rod 60.

Mounted within the container 40 is a shaft 90 which as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 is an elongated cylindrical rod rotatably mounted within the container by means of support plates 92 and 93. One end of the shaft 90 passes through a circular aperture 95 in the support plate 92 and the other end passes through a circular aperture 94 in the support plate 93. Located on the shaft adjacent the support plate 93 is an enlarged diameter portion 91 which has a length equal to about one-fifth the distance between the support plates 92 and 93. Both of the support plates 92 and 93 are rigidly mounted between the rear wall 46 and the front wall 41 and are spaced from and parallel to each other.

As seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 7, rotatably mounted on the shaft 90 are clutch cylinders 70, 71, and 72. Taking clutch cylinder 70 as an example, as shown in FIG. 7, such clutch cylinder is essentially a right cylinder having a central bore 110, therein, for receiving the shaft 90. Each cylinder has a first portion and a second portion, each forming approximately one-half of the axial length of the cylinder. The first portion is a right cylinder with a complete cylindrical outer surface 111. A series of spaced radial lugs 112 extend axially along the entire length of the outer surface 111. Any desired number of lugs can be provided, ten being shown by way of example. The second portion of the clutch cylinder is also essentially a right cylinder, but has an outer surface formed by the intersection of a cylindrical surface 113 and a planar surface, or flat shoulder, 114. The planar surface 114 is in the form in a chordal surface extending across the cylindrical surface 113. The cylindrical surface 113 is co-extensive with the cylindrical surface 111.

An operating member, or permutation wheel, is mounted on each cylinder, and in the illustrated embodiment, the members are designated 101, 102, and 103, and are mounted, respectively, upon clutch cylinders 70, 71, and 72. As shown in FIG. 7, the wheel 101 is a flat disc formed as a right cylinder having a length slightly less than the length of the first portion outer surface 111 of the clutch cylinder 70. The operating member 101 has a central bore 104 with interior indentations in the form of axial grooves 105, corresponding to the lugs 112 on the clutch cylinder and engageable therewith as seen in FIG. 4. On the outer circumference of each operating member are circularly spaced exterior indentations in the form of ratchet grooves 106 which separate the outer circumference into sections. Each ratchet groove is comprised of a radially extending flat face 107 and a flat surface 108 which is perpendicular to the face 107. Any desired number of exterior indentations can be used, ten being shown by way of example.

Integrally formed with or rigidly secured to one side of each operating member, co-axial with the central bore 104, is an annulus 140. Each annulus 140 has interior axial grooves 141 corresponding to the interior axial grooves 105 in bore 104 and exterior lugs 142 which are engageable by the teeth 85 of the lug followers 81, 82, and 83, as will be described hereinafter. The number of exterior lugs 142 equals the number of teeth 85 in the lug followers, ten being shown by way of example.

As seen in FIG. 3, a compression spring 109 is mounted on the shaft 90 to bias the clutch cylinders 70, 71, and 72, toward the support plate 93 and against the enlarged diameter 91 by reacting between the end of 6 the cylinder 72 and the inside of the support plate 92.

Pivotally mounted in the container 40 on the two support plates 92 and 93, is a gate mechanism generally designated as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5. As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, the gate mechanism 100 is formed from a rectangular planar support having a side wall 121 connected perpendicularly at one end, and a side wall 122 connected perpendicularly at its other end. At the intersection of the right-side wall 121 and the support 120 is an elongated slot 124 which extends from the front of the right-side wall approximately one-half the distance from the front to the back of that side wall. Two additional similar elongated slots 125 and 126 are equally spaced along the support 120. As seen in FIG. 2, each of these slots receives an edge portion of the operating members 101, 102, and 103, respectively, while the remaining portions of the sup port 120 rest on the clutch cylinders 70, 71, and 72. Along the edge of each of those slots is an additional shorter slot designated 127, 128, and 129, and intended to receive a portion of each annulus mounted on each operating member. Extending from the side wall 121 is a rod 131 and extending from the side wall 122 is a rod 132, both for pivotally mounting the gate mechanism 100 in the container 40. As seen in FIG. 2 rod 132 passes through a circular aperture 133 in the support plate 92 and rod 131 passes through a circular aperture 134 in the support plate 93. Perpendicularly attached to the end of rod 131 is a plate 135 having a transverse aperture 136 at its end. When the preset combination has been established on the operating members and the lock opened the aperture 136 will be aligned with the end of the shaft 90 and the aperture 54 in the right-side wall 45 for a purpose to be hereinafter described. At all other times the plate 135 is in a position blocking the end of the shaft 90 from the aperture 54.

Mounted to the top surface of the support 120 are a series of six gates formed of spring steel in the shape of planar rectangles. Gates 145, 147, and 149 are attached to the top of the support 120 so that they are parallel to the edges of the slots 124, 125, and 126, and parallel to the side walls 121 and 122. Gate is connected to the support 120 directly adjacent the left hand side of the slot 125 as seen in FIG. 5, and extends from a position spaced slightly in from the edge of the front portion of the support 120 to a position near the back of that support. The end of the bottom of the gate 145 near the front portion is rigidly attached to the support 120 while the rest of the gate merely rests on that support. Gate 147 is mounted adjacent to slot 126 in a similar fashion. Gate 149 is mounted adjacent to the side wall 122 and is slightly spaced therefrom. Gates 144, 146, and 148 are all mounted on the top of the support 120 in a parallel spaced relationship such that the forward end 154 of gate 144 extends over the slot 124 in contacting engagement with the side wall 121 and is in contacting engagement with the rear end of gate 145 at a point spaced in from its rear end. Gate 146 has its forward end extending over the middle of the slot 125 in contacting engagement with gate 145 and has its rear end spaced from a contacting engagement with the rear end of gate 147. The forward end of gate 148 extends over slot 126 in contacting engagement with the edge of gate 147 and its rear end is located adjacent wall 122 and extends past a contacting point with the rear end of gate 149. Each of the gates 144, 146, and 148 is rigidly mounted to the support 120 at its rear bottom edge while the rest of the bottom edge freely rests on the support 120.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the gates all overlap each other and are spring biased towards the wall 121 by means of a spring 150 located between side wall 122 and the gate 149.

Extending downwardly at an acute angle from the rear of the support 120 is a thin resilient plate 151 which has a square slot 152 therein and a circular aperture 153 located below the slot. This aperture receives the rod 56.

As shown in FIG. 4, pivotally mounted in a slot 170 on the rod 51 by means of a pin 171 is a manipulating arm 175. As seen in FIG. 6, the manipulating arm 175 has a first portion 177 in the form of a rectangle with a beveled front corner 117 and an aperture 178 above that corner for receiving the pin 171. At the other end of the first portion is a second portion in the form of a depending arm 179 attached perpendicularly therewith.

Extending perpendicularly from the bottom of the depending arm 179 is a third portion 180. Depending from the end of the third portion 180 is a small foot, or pawl 181 which is sharpened to a pointed edge at its bottom. Located at the free end of the third portion 180 adjacent and above the pawl 181, is a small cam 182 which has a flat surface 183 parallel and spaced from the surface of the third portion 180 and a surface 184 connecting the bottom of the surface 183 and the lower surface of the third portion 180 and oriented at an angle to the surface of the third portion 180. The width of the third portion 180 plus the width of the cam 182 is greater than the length of each operating member.

As seen in FIG. 4 the end of the first portion 177 opposite the pivoting end is biased downwards by means of a leaf spring 186 which is connected to the top of the rod 51 adjacent to the edge of the slot 170. This biasing force causes the pawl 181 to push down on the support 120 tending to keep the support in contact with the clutch cylinders.

As best seen in FIG. 4, a torsional spring 188 is coiled around rod 51 and is attached at one end to the button 50, and at the other end to the front wall 41, such that the rod 51 is torsionally mounted so that it tends to rotate in the clockwise direction as seen in FIGS. 3 and 5. This spring 188 also urges the button 50 away from the wall 41. A stop 189 is rigidly connected around the circumference of the rod 51 so that the rod cannot be pulled completely from the container 40.

As shown in FIG. 4 a cylindrical tube 191 is mounted for longitudinal movement through two apertures in depending supports 192 and 193 which are rigidly connected to the top wall 42. The cylindrical tube 191 has a closed end 194 and an open end 195, the latter end receiving the end 52 of the rod 51 and the former end being attached to a spring 196 which is attached at its other end to the rear wall 46. Located adjacent the closed end 194 is a small hole 197 passing completely through the wall of the cylindrical tube 191. When the rod 51 is moved towards the closed end 194, a dashpot or shock absorbing action is exerted on the rod due to air being trapped in the tube with its only escape by means of the small hole 197. This causes the rod to move into the tube 191 slowly. Also, when the rod 51 is released and allowed to be moved out of the tube 191 under the influence of spring 188, a partial vacuum is formed in the tube which causes the rod to move out of the tube 191 slowly.

Mounted in a suitable manner within the container are three lug followers 81, 82, and 83 formed generally as rack members. Taking lug follower 81 an an example, each follower consists essentially of an elongated rod 84 having teeth 85 on its top edge for engagement with the exterior lugs 142 formed on each annulus 140 which is mounted to each of the operating members 101, 102, and 103. Each lug follower is longitudinally movable and is spring biased away from the front wall 41 and towards the rear wall 46 by means of a compression spring 86 mounted between one end of the rod and the front wall 41. Mounted to the rear wall 46 is a stop 87 which is positioned so that the end of each rod abuts there-against when it has returned to its rest position under the influence of the spring 86. It might be noted that the spring 86 associated with the middle rack member 82 passes through the slot 152 in the plate 151 depending from the bottom of the support 120.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rod 56 which is attached to the actuating button can be moved longitudinally from the front to the rear of the container 40 through the aperture 48. A stop 76 is provided so that the rod 56 cannot be pulled completely from the container. A spring 77 is interposed between the actuating button 55 and the front wall 41 so as to bias the button 55 away from the front wall 41. Spaced inwardly from the stop 76 on the rod 56 is a depending tang 78 and a second shorter tang 79 spaced further inward along the rod 56. Adjacent the front edge of the second tang 79 is a reduced portion 201 which rests in the circular aperture 153 at the bottom of the plate 151. Spaced further along the rod 56 is a L-shaped extension 203 which, as seen in FIG. 2, is guided by two upright supports 207 and 209 during longitudinal movement of the rod 56. Located in the L-shaped extension is a slot 211 comprised of a first portion 213 which is perpendicular to the rod 56, a second portion 215 which is perpendicular to the first portion, and a third portion 217 which is at an angle of approximately 45 to the first portion and communicates with the second portion. The slot 211 receives a pin 221 rigidly mounted perpendicularly to the top of the locking rod as will be described hereinafter.

Mounted below the L-shaped extension 203 for movement towards and away from wall 44 is the locking rod 60 which is best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. The rod 60 has a first-half 220 having lower edges 222 extending on either side which fit below adjacent supports 224 for guiding the locking rod 60 in its movement. The second half 226 of the locking rod 60 is attached at the rear end of the first half at one end and has a compression spring 228 connected at its other end which is in turn connected to the left side-wall 44. An elongated slot 230 is located near the end of the second half which is connected to the spring 228 and receives therein a rod 232 which is perpendicularly attached to a member 234 which is connected to the lock 58 and can rotate with the lock when the key 59 therein turns the lock.

As viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 30 is in the locking position with the locking rod 60 end portion 64 in engagement with the locking slot 88 of the locking rod receiver 80. To open the lock by means of the combination, the correct combination must be obtained through operation of the single push button 50. This means that each operating member 101, 102, and 103 must be manipulated a pre-selected number of times.

In the locked position as shown in FIG. 4, the bottom of the support 100 abuts the cylindrical surfaces 113 of each clutch cylinder and the aperture 153 in the end of the plate 151 rests in the reduced portion 201 in the rod 56. The rod 56 cannot be moved to open the locking rod since the bottom of the second tang 79 lies below the bottom of the aperture 153 and movement of the rod 56 towards the rear wall 46 would be prevented by contact of the tang 79 with the bottom of the plate 151. In this position, the lug followers 81, 82, and 83 are in their start positions and the clutch cylinders 70, 71, and 72, and the operating members 101, 102, and 103 are in their initially preset positions as indicated in FIG. 4.

The initially preset positions of the clutch cylinders is determined by the position of the planar surfaces 1 14 on each of the cylinders relative to the open correct combination position. This position is provided when the planar surfaces 114 are each parallel to and facing the top wall 42 as shown in FIG. 19. The initial preset position then is any desired position of the planar surfaces 114 other than one parallel to and facing the top wall 42. The number of times each clutch cylinder is moved tomove each planar surface 114 to the open correct combination position is the combination for each associated operating member. Each time the single button 50 is depressed the pawl will engage the exterior indentations 106 on the operating members and rotate the member through one incremental movement. As an operating member is rotated, its associated clutch cylinder will also be rotated due to the fact that the lug 112 on the cylinder engage the axial grooves 105 on the operating member. The rotation of the operating members will also cause each annulus 140 to rotate and cause the lug followers to move towards the front wall of the container and will compress the springs 86. A counter-rotation of the operating wheel under the influence of the spring loaded lug follower will be prevented by the engagement of the rachet grooves by the end of the gates 144, 146, and 148, as will be explained in further detail hereinafter.

The correct combination, as previously stated, is coordinated with the planar surfaces 114 on each clutch cylinder such that when the correct combination is depressed the planar surfaces 114 will become parallel to face the plane of the top wall 42. Thus, if the correct combination for the three operating member system shown in the drawings is 6-3-2, the first operatingmember is rotated through six increments of travel, the second operating member is rotated through three increments of travel, and the third operating member is rotated through two increments of travel. By virtue of this operation the associated clutch cylinders will move through six, three and two incremental rotational steps respectively, and the lug followers associated therewith will be moved six, three and two steps or teeth toward the front wall 41. At this point, all of the planar surfaces will be aligned in a common plane parallel to and facing the top wall 42, as shown in FIG. 19. This will allow the support 120 in the gate mechanism 100 to rotate downwardly under the influence of spring biased arm 175, and allow the bottom of the aperture 153 to move to a position below tang 79 as shown in FIG. 19. This rotation will allow the rod 56 as it is depressed to move through the aperture 153 and towards the rear wall 46 in such a fashion that the pm 221 located on the top of the first half 220 of the rod 60 moves along the second portion 215 and the third portion 217 of the L- shaped extension mounted at the end of rod 56 and thereby cam the locking rod 60 towards the left sidewall 44. This will allow the end portion 64 on the locking rod 60 to move out of engagement with the slot 88 in the locking rod receiver so that the lock is open.

In this position the plate 151 rides up the sloping side of the large tang 78 causing the entire gate mechanism to pivot upwardly as shown in FIG. 20. This allows the front portions of each of the gates 144, 146, and 148 which were preventing counter-rotation of the operating members, to be moved above the ratchet grooves on each of the operating members. This allows the lug followers 81, 82, and 83 to counter-rotate the operating members back to their initial preset position as shown in FIG. 20 with the rear ends of the lug followers coming to rest against the stops 87.

The open position of the lock described above is clearly shown in FIG. 21.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 through 18, the actual operation of the manipulating arm will be described in conjunction with the operating member 101. It will be understood that the manipulation of each operating member is essentially the same, and, therefore, only the first one will be described in detail. In the start position as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the manipulating arm 175 is located adjacent to the intersection of the right side wall 121 and the support 120. This is because the rod 51 is under a tortional bias by means of the spring 188 connected thereto. Assuming, as stated above, that the correct predetermined combination is 6-3-2, the first operating member is to be rotated through six increments of travel. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the planar surface 114 is six ratchet grooves away from a position which would make the planar surface 114 parallel to and facing the top wall 42. As shown in FIG. 4, the gate 144 is in a position in which it overlies the flat surface 108 of one of the ratchet grooves and has its forward end 154 against the perpendicular face 107 of that same groove.

At this time the single button 50 is depressed and the manipulation arm 175 moves with the rod 51 to a position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, wherein the pawl 181 is in engagement with the perpendicular face 107. In this position, the flat surface 183 on the cam 182 pushes the forward end 154 of gate 144 away from its engagement with the surface 107. This is accomplished because the thickness of the operating member 101 is equal to the sum of the Width of the third portion of the arm 175 plus the thickness of the cam 182, and because the gate is made of spring steel or flexible plastic and is rigidly mounted only at its end spaced from end 154.

At this time the single push button 50 is continued to be moved in the same direction towards the rear wall 46 and since the gate 144 is out of the way, the operating member 101 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 10 by means of the engagement of the pawl 181 with the ratchet groove 106 face 107. As the operating member is rotating the forward portion 154 of the gate 144 rides along the side of the operating member as shown in FIG. and thus remains open.

In FIG. 12 the pawl 181 has rotated the operating member 101 through one complete increment of travel and because the forward end 154 of the gate 144 has been passed by the cam 182 it snaps back into contact with portion 180 and into an engagement with the ratchet groove 106 so as to prevent a counter-rotation of the operating member. The sound generated by the gate snapping back into contact with portion 180 communicates to the operator that one increment has been made by the operating member and that the button can be released slightly so that the next increment can be made. It may be noted at this time tht the thickness of the third portion 180 on the arm 175 is less than the thickness of the operating member so that this snapping back may be accomplished. However, it is also important to note that the gate 144 has not moved back to its initial position adjacent the side wall 121 since the third portion 180 is interposed therebetween. This is important because, as shown in FIG. 14, when the manipulating arm 175 is allowed to move in a direction back towards the front wall 41 under the influence of the spring 188, the gate still maintains the operating member in its position and yet allows the manipulating arm to ride up the flat surface 108 and then downward under the force of the spring 186 connected between the rod 51 and the arm 175 toward the next flat surface 108 on the next ratchet groove. This canbe represented by FIG. 8 wherein the cam 182 has once again pivoted the gate 144 away from the operating member. Of course, the slanted surface 184 aids in this downward manuever.

The operation described above and shown in FIGS. 8-14 is repeated as many times as necessary until the pre-selected combination is reached for the first operating member. On the last incremental rotation of that member the manipulating arm 175 is pushed all the way forward beyond the gate 144 so that the portion 180 is free of the forward end 154 of the gate 144, as shown in FIG. 16 and 17. This allows the gate 144 to spring back to a position adjacent the sidewall 121 to prevent the operating member from counter-rotation.

However, in this position when the button 50 is released, the manipulation arm 175 cannot move back between the now contacting gate 144 and the side wall 121 but instead moves along the gate 144 towards the intersection of gates 145 and 144.

The overall operation of the gate mechanism 100 is advantageously shown schematically in FIG. 18. Initially the manipulating arm is at its rest position which is designated A which position corresponds to its position in FIG. 4. Then the arm is moved towards the gate 144, by depressing the single button 50, into a position shown in phantom and labelled as B wherein the operating member 101 is manipulated to its predetermined combination position from its initial position as described above. Then, the manipulating arm 175 is moved to a position shown in phantom and labelled C which is beyond the end of gate 144 and which allows the gate 144 to resume its position against the side wall 121. Then on release of the single button 50 the manipulating arm I75 travels along the now closed gate 144 into and through the intersection of the gate 144 and 145 as shown in phantom and designated as D. Once the manipulation arm 175 is through the intersection of these two gates and gate returns from its deflected position, the manipulation arm is ready to begin manipulation of the second operating member 102 and rests in a position shown in phantom at E against the rear portion of gate 144. The arm is in this position because the spring 188 attached to the rod 51 constantly torsionally biases the rod and the arm towards wall 121.

From the position designated by E, the manipulation arm is moved along the gate 145 into a position between gates 145 and 146 where it can manipulate the second operating member as described above and as indicated at position F. Once the manipulation is complete the manipulating arm moves to a position shown as G and then through positions H, I, J, K, and L, which correspond to and are similar to positions D, E, F, G, and H. Finally, the manipulation arm 175 comes to rest at a position shown by M at which time each of the operating members has been manipulated to the predetermined combination.

As described above, and as seen in FIG. 20, when the button 55 is depressed and the gate mechanism 100 is rotated upwardly, a bar 116 connecting the walls 121 and 122 moves upwardly and engages the beveled corner 117 of the manipulation arm 175 lying below the pin 171. This contact causes the arm to pivot upwardly around the pin 171 against the force of the spring 186. As shown in FIG. 20, this allows the bottom of the arm 175 to rise up above the gate 148. Because the rod 51 to which the arm 175 is connected is torsionally mounted and biased towards wall 121, the arm 175 will rotate in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 5 from a position adjacent the wall 122 to one adjacent and contacting wall 121. Thus, the arm resumes its original start position shown in FIG. 4 and when button 55 is released the arm and gate mechanism pivot downwardly under the influence of spring 186.

If while depressing the single button 50 to obtain the correct combination on the operating members, the operator miscounts or loses count, then the actuator button 55 can be depressed. This depression will cause the tang 79 to engage the bottom of the plate 151 and rotate the gate mechanism 100 upwards as described above with regard to depression of the button 55 when the operating members were in the correct position. This, of course, allows the gates to release the ratchet grooves on each of the operating members permitting them to be rotated back to their start positions by the action of the lug followers. Also this allows the bar 116 to contact the comer 117 of the arm 175 and, therefore, allow it to be lifted above the gates and rotated under the torsional spring 188 back to the start position. The depression of this button 55 will not allow the lock to be opened since in the incorrect combination position the tang 79 can not pass through the aperture 153 since the bottom of the support 100 is lying on the cylindrical surfaces of the clutch cylinders, and the bottom of the tang 79 is below the bottom of the aperture 153. Thus, this will allow the person attempting to open the lock through the use of the combination to try again.

In the described embodiment, the number of ratchet grooves on each operating member is ten. If the operator of the lock attempts to depress the single button greater than ten times for any of the operating members, the operating member will not rotate any further. The lock mechanism is advantageously constructed so that one full rotation of 360 of each operating member (i.e., l depressions of the button for each) will move the associated lug follower from its start position as shown in FIG. 4 having one end adjacent the stop 87, to a second position wherein its other end abuts the fully compressed spring 86 which in turn abuts the front wall 41. This is accomplished by making the distance between the stop 87 and the front wall 41 equal to two times the length the lug follower 84 plus the length of the fully compressed spring 86, and by having the number of exterior lugs on the annulus 140, the number of exterior indentions or ratchet grooves on each operating member and the number of teeth on the lug followers equal. In the second position the lug follower can move no further since it abuts the fully compressed spring 86 which in turn abuts the front wall 41. Since the lug follower is connected to the operating member via its tooth engagement with each annulus, the operating member cannot be rotated any further. Thus, if a fully rotation of any of the operating members is made by depressing the single button ten times and the lock is not at the opening position, the operating member is not able to be rotated further. The operator of the lock can then depress the button 55 as discussed above and cause all of the operating members and lug followers to be returned to the start position. The operator of the lock can then try the combination again.

The lock can also be opened through the use of an auxiliary lock 58. As viewed in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the key 59 can be placed into the lock 58 so that the lock 58 can be rotated. Sincethe lock has connected thereto member 234 which rotates with it, the depending rod 232 will also rotate in contact with the end of the slot 230 in the rod 60 and cause the locking rod 60 to move against its spring bias caused by spring 228. This movement, which is counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 3, causes the locking rod 60 to move out of its engagement with the slot 88 in the locking rod receiver 80. Thus, the lock is open.

Initially, when the lock is first delivered for installation, the planar surfaces 114 are all aligned parallel to and facing the top wall 42 in the open position. Thus, the locking rod 60 can be moved by means of depressing the button 55 without the depression of the single button 50. In this initial position, designated 0-0-0, the support 120 lies abutting the planar surfaces 114 as shown in FIG. 19 and the lug followers are in the rest position as shown in FIG. 4. Because the support 120 is in this position, rod 131 will not be in a blocking position regarding the aperture 54, but will have the aperture 136 therein aligned with the aperture 54 as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, a suitable means, such as a screwdriver, can at this time be manipulated through aperture 54 to depress the shaft 90 towards the right as viewed in FIG. 3. The depression of the shaft 90 will cause the enlarged diameter portion 91 to engage the end of the clutch cylinders 70. The movement of the shaft 90 towards the right as seen in FIG. 3 will compress the three clutch cylinders against the spring 109. Because the operating members 101, 102, and 103, are partially received by the slots 124, 125, and 126 in the support 120, they will remain in position. The shaft is depressed for a distance sufficient for the lugs 112 to no longer be engaged by the axial grooves 105 in the operating members, or the axial grooves 141 in the annulus 140 corresponding to each of the operating members. At this time the combination can be set for each of the operating membersby depressing the single button 55 for each of the operating members any desired number of times.

Each depression for each of the operating members will rotate that operating member through one increment of travel and cause the associated lug follower which is engaged with the lugs 141 on each annulus 140, to be moved one increment towards the front wall 41 thereby compressing the springs 86. The gates will, or course, prevent a counter-rotation of each operating member at this time. The number of times each operating member is moved through an increment of travel is the desired combination for that member. After this desired combination has been set for all of the operating members, the shaft is released from its depressed position and the clutch cylinders are allowed to reengaged with the operating members by means of their connection between lugs 112 and the axial grooves'105 and 141. Then the reset button 55 is depressed causing the gate mechanism to rotate upwardly so that the gates release the operating members and allow the lug followers to rotate them until the lug followers abut the stop 87. The operating members are then in the starting position and a combination has been set.

To change the combination, the planar surfaces 114 and the lug followers 81 must be returned to the 0-0-0 position in which a new lock is delivered. This can be accomplished by first depressing the correct combination, and depressing the reset button 55 to open the lock. Then the container 40 is moved away from the locking rod receiver 80 to provide a clear access to the aperture 54. The correct combination is then depressed again which allows the gate mechanism to rotate downwardly against the now parallel planar surfaces 114 and the aperture 136 in the plate to become aligned with the adjacent aperture 54. The shaft 90 is then depressed by means such as a screwdriver passing through the apertures 54 and 136 so that the clutch cylinders are disengaged from the operating members. The single button 50 is then depressed and then released for each of the operating members until the associated lug followers have been moved through their maximum travel towards the front wall 41 to an abutting position against the fully compressed springs 86 which are abutting against that wall. The shaft 90 is then released from its depressed position and the clutch cylinders re-engage the operating members. The reset button 55 is then depressed causing the gate mechanism to rotate upwardly which will allow the gates to be freed from their engagement with the ratchet teeth which will also allow the lug followers to rotate the operating members and thus, the reengaged clutch cylinders, back to the 0-0-0 position because the number of teeth in each lug follower is equal to the number of lugs on each annulus mounted to each operating member. In the 0-0-0 position, the planar surfaces are in the open position and the lug followers are adjacent the stops 87 A new combination can then be selected and established as described previously.

Tuming now to FIGS. 22 and 23, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 22, the second embodiment of the device contains most of the elements of the first embodiment, but also contains certain additional elements and certain other elements are eliminated therefrom. Specifically, the planar surfaces 114 on the clutch cylinders are eliminated because each position of each of the operating members can be the desired position and the need for the planar surfaces is eliminated. Also eliminated is the locking rod 60 and the L-shaped extension 203 connected to rod 56.

As seen in FIG. 22, an electrically conductive strip 256 is placed on the bottom of each of the lug followers. At the end of each strip is connected an L-shaped spring contact 258 which is also formed from conductive material. A contact roller 260 is mounted below the lug follower on an insulating support 262 in a position to make rolling contact with strip 256. Rigidly attached to the rear wall 46 is an insulating support 264 having ten electrical elements 266 mounted thereon. Each of the contacts 266, labeled -9, has connected thereto a wire 268. A conductor 270 is connected to the contact roller 260. The other end of each wire 268 is connected to one of terminals 269, FIG. 23.

The rest of the elements shown in FIG. 2 are the same as those in FIG. 4 and are given the same identifying numerals.

It should be noted that each one of the operating members 102 and 103 has associated therewith a spring contact, a contact roller, and fixed contacts such as shown in FIG. 22 for operating member 101.

In describing the second embodiment, it will be assumed that a selected one of a plurality of electrical load devices, such as a lamp bulb, a solenoid, a transmitter, or a resistor, corresponds to positions 3-2-7 on the operating members and will be activated when that combination is selected. These positions utilize those ones of wires 268 corresponding to terminals 3-2-7 in the HUNDREDS, TENS and UNITS circuits, respectively, shown in FIG. 23.

Since there are then positions to which each operating member may be manipulated and there are three of these members, it is possible to selectively activate one of as many as one thousand devices with the apparatus disclosed.

As shown in FIG. 23, each of the wires 270 attached to each contact 260 is connected to each other wire 270 through a common set of terminals 272 and a main conductor wire 274. There are three common terminals, corresponding to the HUNDREDS, TENS and UNITS circuits, respectively. The HUNDREDS circuit is associated with member 103, the TENS circuit is associated with member 102, and the UNITS citcuit is associated with member 101.

The main conductor 274 is connected to one terminal of an electrical supply unit 276 which provides energy for the load through the switching system. Supply 276 is conneceted to a single-throw single-pole switch 278 which is connected via conductor 279 to the electrical load device 327 which is to be energized.

The circuit for the load 327 is connected via conductor 282 to the output of a three legged and gate 284. Connected to the inputs of and gate 284 are three conductors 286 each of which is connected to one of terminals 269 which are connected to conductors 268. As shown in FIG. 23, these conductors are connected to the terminals numbered 3, 2, and 7. It should be noted that for each electrical load device associated with and selectable by the invention there is a corresponding three-legged and gate.

In operation, the single button 50 is depressed so that the first operating member 101 is moved through three increments of travel, the second operating member 102 is moved through two increments of travel, and the third operating member 103 is moved through seven increments of travel. This movement is accomplished as described above with reference to the first embodiment of the present invention. This movement causes the associated lug follower and strip 256 for each of the operating members to move towards the front wall 41 of the container 40 the proper distance which in turn allows the spring contact 258 associated with each to move to the corresponding positions of 3, 2, and 7 on the fixed contacts 266. At this time, switch 278is manually closed and allows current to flow through the conductors 270 through the selected ones of conductors 268 and 286, through the three legged and" gate 284 and into the electrical device 327. This activates that electrical device. The circuit is completed from the electrical device via conductor 279 and switch 278 to the source or power supply 276.

In this manner one from any number of electrical devices (up to the limit of 1,000) can be selectively activated by means of depressing the single button 50 so that the operating members are in turn rotated to desired positions.

After the electrical .device that has been selectively activated is no longer necessary, or another device is required or desired, the reset button 55 can be depressed which will in turn cause the gate mechanism to rotate upwardly and thus free the ratchet teeth from their engagement with the gates allowing them to rotate back to their start position under the influence of the lug followers. Also the manipulation arm will return to its start position since it will be lifted above the gates by means of the bar 116which is attached to the gate mechanism 100. At this time another electrical device may be activated.

While two advantageous embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A mechanism comprising:

a plurality of members, each of which can be manipulated from an initial position to a predetermined position mounting means for mounting said members in a spaced relationship;

manipulation means, associated with said mounting means for reciprocating movement in first and second directions relative to said members, for sequential manipulation of each of said members, and

gate means, coupled to said mounting means, including a first portion for directing said manipulation means to manipulate one of said plurality of members when said manipulation means is moved in the first direction, and a second portion for indexing said manipulation means to a position for manipulating another of said plurality of members, after the said one member has been manipulated to the desired predetermined position and said manipulation means has been moved beyond said first portion, when said manipulation means is moved in the second direction.

2. A mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said manipulation means includes:

a rod coupled to said mounting means having a portion thereof extending therefrom;

a button mounted at the end of the extending portion of said rod; and

an arm, pivotally coupled to said rod at a position spaced from said button for engaging said members.

3. A mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said gate means includes:

a support pivotally mounted to said mounting means below said manipulation means having slots therein for partially receiving said members; and

a series of mechanical gates mounted to the top of said support;

certain of said gates normally being in engagement with said members but being movable by engagement with said manipulation means out of engagement with said members. I

4. A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said members are rotatable wheels having ratchet grooves on their peripheries for alternate engagement by said manipulation means and said first portion of said gate means.

5. A mechanism according to claim 1 further includactuator means, coupled to said mounting means, for

returning each of said members from the predetermined position to the initial position.

6. A mechanism for selectively activating anyone of a plurality of electrical devices, comprising:

a plurality of members, all of which can be manipulated to a plurality of predetermined positions, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of electrical devices;

mounting means for mounting said members in a spaced relationship;

electrical means for converting each of the predetermined positions to which the members can be manipulated into an electrical signal which activates the electrical device corresponding to the predetermined position to which the members have been manipulated;

manipulation means, associated with said mounting means for reciprocating movement in first and second directions relative to said members, for sequential manipulation of each of said members; and

gate means, coupled to said mounting means, including a first portion for directing said manipulation means to manipulate one of said plurality of members when said manipulation means is moved in the first direction, and a second portion for indexing said manipulation means to a position for manipulating another of said plurality of members, after the said one member has been manipulated to the desired predetermined position, and said manipulation means has been moved beyond said first portion, when said manipulation means is moved in the second direction. 7. A mechanism according to claim 6 wherein said manipulation means includes:

a rod coupled to said mounting means having a portion thereof extending therefrom; a button mounted at the end of the extending portion of said rod; and an arm pivotally coupled to said rod at a position spaced from said button for engaging said members. v 8. In a combination lock, the improvement which comprises:

members which can be manipulated from a preset initial position to a predetermined combination position; mounting means for mounting said members so that they are hidden from view; rod means movable relative to said mounting means between a locked position and an unlocked position; manipulation means, associated with said mounting means for reciprocating movement in first arid second directions relative to said members, for permitting sequential manipulation of each of said members; gate means, coupled to said mounting means, including a first portion for directing said manipulation means to manipulate one of said plurality of members when said manipulation means is moved in the first direction, and a second portion for indexing said manipulation means to a position for manipulating another of said plurality of members, after said one member has been manipulated to the predetermined combination position and said manipulation means has been moved beyond said first portion, when said manipulation means is moved in the second direction; and actuation means, operable when all of said members have been manipulated to said predetermined combination position, to thereby move said rod means to said unlocked position and to simultaneously move said members back to the preset initial position. 9. The improvement according to claim 8 wherein said manipulation means includes:

a rod coupled to said mounting means having a portion thereof extending therefrom; a button mounted at the end of the extending portion of said rod; and an arm pivotally coupled to said rod at a position spaced from said button for engaging said members. 

1. A mechanism comprising: a plurality of members, each of which can be manipulated from an initial position to a predetermined position mounting means for mounting said members in a spaced relationship; manipulation means, associated with said mounting means for reciprocating movement in first and second directions relative to said members, for sequential manipulation of each of said members, and gate means, coupled to said mounting means, including a first portion for directing said manipulation means to manipulate one of said plurality of members when said manipulation means is moved in the first direction, and a second portion for indexing said manipulation means to a position for manipulating another of said plurality of members, after the said one member has been manipulated to the desired predetermined position and said manipulation means has been moved beyond said first portion, when said manipulation means is moved in the second direction.
 2. A mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said manipulation means includes: a rod coupled to said mounting means having a portion thereof extending therefrom; a button mounted at the end of the extending portion of said rod; and an arm, pivotally coupled to said rod at a position spaced from said buttoN for engaging said members.
 3. A mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said gate means includes: a support pivotally mounted to said mounting means below said manipulation means having slots therein for partially receiving said members; and a series of mechanical gates mounted to the top of said support; certain of said gates normally being in engagement with said members but being movable by engagement with said manipulation means out of engagement with said members.
 4. A mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said members are rotatable wheels having ratchet grooves on their peripheries for alternate engagement by said manipulation means and said first portion of said gate means.
 5. A mechanism according to claim 1 further including: actuator means, coupled to said mounting means, for returning each of said members from the predetermined position to the initial position.
 6. A mechanism for selectively activating anyone of a plurality of electrical devices, comprising: a plurality of members, all of which can be manipulated to a plurality of predetermined positions, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of electrical devices; mounting means for mounting said members in a spaced relationship; electrical means for converting each of the predetermined positions to which the members can be manipulated into an electrical signal which activates the electrical device corresponding to the predetermined position to which the members have been manipulated; manipulation means, associated with said mounting means for reciprocating movement in first and second directions relative to said members, for sequential manipulation of each of said members; and gate means, coupled to said mounting means, including a first portion for directing said manipulation means to manipulate one of said plurality of members when said manipulation means is moved in the first direction, and a second portion for indexing said manipulation means to a position for manipulating another of said plurality of members, after the said one member has been manipulated to the desired predetermined position, and said manipulation means has been moved beyond said first portion, when said manipulation means is moved in the second direction.
 7. A mechanism according to claim 6 wherein said manipulation means includes: a rod coupled to said mounting means having a portion thereof extending therefrom; a button mounted at the end of the extending portion of said rod; and an arm pivotally coupled to said rod at a position spaced from said button for engaging said members.
 8. In a combination lock, the improvement which comprises: members which can be manipulated from a preset initial position to a predetermined combination position; mounting means for mounting said members so that they are hidden from view; rod means movable relative to said mounting means between a locked position and an unlocked position; manipulation means, associated with said mounting means for reciprocating movement in first and second directions relative to said members, for permitting sequential manipulation of each of said members; gate means, coupled to said mounting means, including a first portion for directing said manipulation means to manipulate one of said plurality of members when said manipulation means is moved in the first direction, and a second portion for indexing said manipulation means to a position for manipulating another of said plurality of members, after said one member has been manipulated to the predetermined combination position and said manipulation means has been moved beyond said first portion, when said manipulation means is moved in the second direction; and actuation means, operable when all of said members have been manipulated to said predetermined combination position, to thereby move said rod means to said unlocked position and to simultaneously move said members back to the preset initial position.
 9. The improvement according to claim 8 wherein said manipulation means includes: a rod coupled to said mounting means having a portion thereof extending therefrom; a button mounted at the end of the extending portion of said rod; and an arm pivotally coupled to said rod at a position spaced from said button for engaging said members. 